welcome

I. transitive verb (welcomed; welcoming) Etymology: Middle English, from Old English welcumian, wylcumian, from wilcuma, noun Date: before 12th century 1. to greet hospitably and with courtesy or cordiality 2. to accept with pleasure the occurrence or presence of <

welcomes danger

> • welcomer noun II. interjection Etymology: Middle English, alteration of wilcume, from Old English, from wilcuma desirable guest (akin to Old High German willicomo desirable guest); akin to Old English willa, will desire, cuman to come — more at will, come Date: 12th century — used to express a greeting to a guest or newcomer upon arrival III. adjective Date: 12th century 1. received gladly into one's presence or companionship <

was always welcome in their home

> 2. giving pleasure ; received with gladness or delight especially in response to a need <

a welcome relief

> 3. willingly permitted or admitted <

he was welcome to come and go — W. M. Thackeray

> 4. — used in the phrase “You're welcome” as a reply to an expression of thanks • welcomely adverb • welcomeness noun IV. noun Date: 1525 1. a greeting or reception usually upon arrival <

a warm welcome

> 2. the state of being welcome <

overstayed their welcome

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